OCDE Newsroom

An aerial view shows emergency crews cooling a large industrial storage tank with water at the site of the Garden Grove chemical leak as mist rises from the facility.

Chemical tank update: Schools out of evac zone reopen as tank temperature holds steady

Staff reports May 26, 2026

Lainie Rowell, Dr. Stefan Bean and David Blair stand together on the set of the FutureCurrent podcast studio at the Orange County Department of Education.

FutureCurrent: Bright Futures Foundation leader David Blair discusses student-centered innovation

Ian Hanigan May 26, 2026

From left, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, Raelene Velasquez, Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Aller, Sunburst Youth Academy Director Lt. Col. Sarah Rambo, Principal Dinah Ismail, OCDE Executive Director of Special Education Dr. Amita Cloke and OCDE Manager of Human Resources Support Services Lorena Villa pose for a photo during the 2026 California Classified School Employees of the Year recognition ceremony in Sacramento.

Sunburst Youth Academy paraeducator honored as California Classified School Employee of the Year

Vicky Nguyen May 26, 2026

Sierra Vista Middle School students Aryan Shah, Krish Marfatia, Kaito Yamashita and Davis Barbee win the Stephenson Family Award for Sports History at the NHD-CA contest earlier this month.

Orange County claims state-leading honors at National History Day, sends 21 students to finals

Madeline Gray May 22, 2026

Students participating in the OC GRIP program gather at Angel Stadium before the Los Angeles Angels’ May 19 game against the Oakland Athletics.

Weekly roundup: Sports Illustrated highlights OC GRIP mentorship event at Angel Stadium, and more

Vicky Nguyen May 22, 2026

2025 California Classified School Employees of the Year

Three from Orange County named California Classified School Employees of the Year

Vicky Nguyen April 29, 2025

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has announced nine California Classified School Employees of the Year for 2025 —...

After months apart, cadets at Sunburst share a powerful reunion with families

Nathaniel Martinez April 29, 2025

Even from the back of the parking lot some 100 yards away, the cheers of excited parents seeing their child...

Longtime IUSD educator Cassie Parham named district’s next superintendent

Ian Hanigan April 28, 2025

The Irvine Unified School District didn’t have to go far to find its next leader. Following a comprehensive search with input from staff, students, parents and community members, the IUSD Board of Education has named Interim Superintendent Cassie Parham as...

OCDE marks Fentanyl Awareness Day by spotlighting ongoing resources for student safety

Ian Hanigan April 28, 2025

With Fentanyl Awareness Day approaching on April 29, the Orange County Department of Education is encouraging schools to raise awareness...

Dr. Stefan Bean aboard the USS Midway Museum

Dr. Bean reflects on journey from Vietnam to county superintendent at event marking 50th anniversary of Operation Frequent Wind

Ian Hanigan April 27, 2025

Five decades after being airlifted out of Vietnam at age 4, Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean addressed...

A Huntington Beach Union High School District student, right, high-fives a Westcliff University student-athlete during Inclusive Sports Day at Edison High School.

Weekly roundup: Inclusive Sports Day celebrates students in Huntington Beach, Fullerton students shine in K-pop competition, and more

Vicky Nguyen April 25, 2025

More than 200 students from three Huntington Beach Union High School District campuses gathered at Edison High School on April 10 for a day of sports, camaraderie and inclusion, thanks to a continuing partnership with Westcliff University and the Inclusive...